Syfy cancels ratings-challenged 'Caprica'

Syfy has canceled “Caprica,” pulling the skein before the conclusion of the first season.

Move is highly unusual for a scripted cable series, since most episode orders are in the 10-13 range. “Caprica,” however, was performing poorly in its season one back-nine episodes and Syfy decided they couldn’t keep the show on the air in its 10 p.m. Tuesday timeslot.

Since returning back for the second half of season one Oct. 5, four episodes have already run. The net says it will burn off the remaining five episodes in the first quarter of 2011

“We appreciate all the support that fans have shown for ‘Caprica’ and are very proud of the producers, cast, writers and the rest of the amazing team that has been committed to this fine series,“ said Mark Stern, exec VP of original programming for Syfy. “Unfortunately, despite its obvious quality, ‘Caprica’ has not been able to build the audience necessary to justify a second season.”